Review: Godspeed You! Black Emperor & Neurosis, January 18/14

On the 18th (after which came The 19th) of January, Montreal was host to two bands that carried with them the powers of the air and metal. Godspeed You! Black Emperor and Neurosis shifted the very mental plates of all those that witnessed them perform at the Metropolis.

Godspeed You! Black Emperor played first on the 18th, and played an incredibly tight set from the very beginning. The performance, at times almost shoegaze, was hypnotic, more so with captivating silent videos on the background. The nostalgic videos placed one in an island, where the waves are starting to crash in. GYBE struck us, repeatedly, with waves after waves of those riffs, a postrock high tide. We gaze merrily upon the powerful sea, while it rings at the shore, forcing in. And soon, you fall into that sea.

While GYBE was the tempest sea, Neurosis was a iron fist. Hammering us right from the start with perfect jabs, they did not etch at the shore, they punched at the soul. Mixing drone-sludge with the best post-metal, Neurosis was ambient and powerful. Many imagined a post-apocalyptic peace, a feeling more awe than fear. The knowledge of being enslaved by this music is accepted. We bow to the heavy machines. Under such music, what may we mortals do, but get to the high heavens and enter the pit.

A lot of people’s ears were still ringing on Monday. I could see a lot of satisfied souls.